Two years since our last update, and progress at the site of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and La Défense Public Development Agency (Epadesa)'s Tour Alto is now underway following the clearance of a mid-rise office block from the site in 2017. Designed by IF Architectes, the distinctive bell-shaped, 38-storey Tour Alto is set to rise 150 metres from the heart of Paris' La Défense business district. 

Tour Alto on the rise in Paris' La Défense, image by Forum contributor Vincent !

Having now risen about five storeys above grade, Tour Alto's extra-height ground floor can be clearly discerned from the rest of the structure, the base to include a small retail component in addition to a generous, 2,000 square-metre forecourt that will face out onto the street. 

Tour Alto, close-up view, image by Forum contributor Vincent !

Part of Epadesa's recent push to modernize and further pedestrianize, and generally enhance the public realm within La Défense, the inclusion of the aforementioned forecourt is but one of many measures being taken to ensure that the future of the neighbourhood is optimized for an improved pedestrian experience both within and without the area's many office towers.

Tour Alto, urban context view, image by Forum contributor Vincent !

Seeking as well to improve the natural integration of La Défense into the broader urban framework of Paris, the work now underway will hopefully add a great deal of vibrancy and longevity to the neighbourhood for many years to come. As for Tour Alto, construction is slated for completion by 2020. 

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.